First period ponderings, Game 5

VANCOUVER, British Columbia Nashville’s game-changing talent is on its back-end with its goaltending and defense. Vancouver’s is up-front in its forwards. The Canucks’ core has gotten to the Predators — and once again it’s Ryan Kesler doing the scoring.

Make that seven points in three games for the two-way forward. He has completely taken this series over.

Two to go here. Though the Canucks have the lead, this game is by no means over. It’s still a one-goal game. But Vancouver has carried the play with 12 shots to Nashville’s 5. The Canucks don’t want another Chicago situation.